Atlanta Zero Waste Guide — grocery shopping zero waste

There are several places in Atlanta where you can get bread without packaging. Here's the thing, you have to call in the morning explain your zero waste lifestyle and ask them to set aside a loaf for you unpackaged. Top choices for zero waste bread are La Calavera Bakery (Decatur), Highland Bakery (Old 4th Ward), Alon's  (Virginia Highland/ Dunwoody) and newly-opened Proof (Inman Park). Also if you're lucky, you can sometimes get zero waste bread at Whole Foods if they have some unpackaged loaves in the bakery.

So shopping for fresh produce in zero waste style isn't too difficult. Most produce is available without packaging. Just make sure you avoid those plastic baggies by refusing plastic bags or bringing your own canvas bags if necessary. The rule of thumb for zero waste grocery shopping is to stay in two sections: produce and bulk. Meat eaters can also get fresh meat from the meat counter zero waste. Check out a video I filmed at Sevananda Natural Food Co-op for more tips on zero waste grocery shopping. A few fresh items I find difficulty finding without packaging are small...

For #ZW newbies, you might be wondering what's the difference between zero waste grocery shopping and regular shopping. In short, zero waste shopping requires a bulk section, but if you want the full details on how to grocery shop as a zero wasters, check out my post "How to Zero Waste Grocery Shop?" My favorite store to shop at is Sevananda, they meet most of my needs in one place, which prevents the need of having to make several stops. There bulk aisle includes nuts, rices, pastas, gluten-free grains, granola (gluten free too!), premixed soups, salts, cereals, wasabi peas, candies,...